Globalization and US National Security

The Cold War which was a period of strong change starting in 1945 led America into a geopolitical mindset for the first time in American history. This period made national security and military affairs the center of focus for America. According to Snow “The Cold War presented the United States an apparently permanent military enemy for the first time since the rivalry with Great Britain was resolved after the war of 1812.” (Snow, page 83) This gave way to the idea of national security being a strong focal point of the American agenda. It made it equally as important as anything else did on the agenda. Also the United States was now a state of mobilization. The armed forces would now and always be at a striking force. All of the changes were something new to the people of America but it was an idea that was not only accepted it was expected. The same rings true with 9/11 in relation to the role of America. Our sole focus is national security and put our military at a point of being called upon any second. The United States has embraced the idea that things have changed and are willing to do whatever possible to prevent future events of this magnitude. Another characteristic that the Cold War Period and 9/11 hold in common is that both “were a pervasive political and military competition that dominated international politics.” (Snow, page 97) The major threat is different with the 9/11 acts. Not only is their strong and realized fear of asymmetrical acts of war. The U.S. is now a much more vulnerable nation than in the past. The U.S. does not only have to worry about physical threats; there is now the fear of psychological threats. The United States now has to take serious the threat of terrorist attacks for the first time in history; it’s no longer a fear but a definite possibility.

The United States incorporated many different strategies since the attacks of September 11. The main and most talked about is the creation of the Department of Homeland Security which was mandated to perform four functions: “border and transportation security; emergency preparedness and response; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear countermeasures; and information analysis and infrastructure protection.” (Snow, page 203) This has helped to process all information pertaining to or relating to terrorism. Also President Bush has dramatically increased the amount of federal spending in the military and defense budget, allowing the armed forces to actually receive seemingly all of their “wish list.